Fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air

ABSTRACT

A method of preparing semiconductor nano crystal anatase TiO 2  solution uses titanium alkoxide Ti(OR) 4  as a main component in combination with chelating agents in aqueous solution. A fluorescent lamp tube is coated with the semiconductor nano crystal anatase TiO 2  solution to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air. Then a baking step is carried out at a low temperature about 100-250° C. By doped anatase TiO2 with small amount about 0-1.0 wt % of precious metals complex or transition metals oxides as nano-particle on or in the anatase TiO2 nano-particle surface, the visible light photocatalysis efficiency is increased for air cleaning. By doped with small amount Eu +3  or rare earth metal ion on or in the anatase TiO2 nano-particle surface, which is a photocatalytic material acting as fluorescent agent, the fluorescent lamp has increasing brightness of when it is turned on.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air, and more particularly, to a fluorescent lamp coated with nano-crystalline anatase TiO2 sol, which is a photocatalytic material acting as fluorescent agent, which is capable of increasing brightness of the fluorescent lamp when it is turned on.

[0003] The present invention also discloses a method comprising the steps of preparing semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ solution using titanium alkoxide Ti(OR)₄ as a main component in combination with chelating agents and than hydrolysis in aqueous solution, which semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ solution is then coated onto surface of a fluorescent lamp tube. The fluorescent lamp tube coated with the semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ solution is then baked to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air. The baking step is carried out at a low temperature in a range of 100-250° C. The fluorescent lamp comprises straight type tubes, annular shaped tubes, U-shaped tubes, spiral-shaped tubes, and special dual layer tubes.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Photocatalysts have been developed for treating waste gases for the past few years, such as those described in, for example, Gregory B. Roupp & Lynette A. Dibble, Arizona State University, U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,288; Jeffrey G. Sczechowski et al., The University of Colorado, U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,652; William A. Jacoby & Daniel M. Blake, U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,443; Zhenyu Zhang & James R. Gehlner, Inrad., U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,699; and Franz D. Oeste & Olga Dietrich Neeleye, U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,524.

[0006] The above-mentioned patents relate to treatment of waste gases, and were basically carried out in a hermetically sealed reactor. Utilization or operation of granular photocatalysts or photocatalysts coating granules therefore usually needs, in general, complex equipment to handle.

[0007] The above-described prior art examples have disadvantages making the prior art photocatalysts difficult to apply in the field of air pollutant treatment for a living environment. Of them, one waste water and/or waste gases disposal photocatalytic reactor comprising a UV lamp inserted into matrix with photocatalysts coated fibers, thereof is described in Michael K. Robertson & Robert G. Henderson, Nutech Energy Systems Inc., U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,712. As mentioned above, such a reactor was a closed type one such that counter-flow of gases must be forced by a blower that makes such a reaction system impractical when used in living environments.

[0008] UV lamp treatment for waste gases is generally based on the sustained oxidative degradation against organic and/or inorganic hazardous materials in the air by a photocatalytic reaction to render them into non-harmful substances such as water or carbon dioxide. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,838 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,998, which are owned by the applicants of the present application, all describe such a UV lamp. Since the UV lamp is not a commercially available lighting apparatus, some research has focused on a commercial fluorescent lamp having a photocatalytic coating for cleaning air.

[0009] Hiroshi Taoda and Watanabe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,126 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,206, discloses a fluorescent lamp coated with titanium dioxide sol, than baked to 350-500° C., for deodorized the air. And the U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,929 by Ichikawa Shinichi, Furukawa Yashinori, and Azuhata Shigeru discloses a light-transmissive and transparent film photocatalyst made of anatase-type titanium dioxide and alpha type iron oxide formed on an outside surface of a glass tube used for a fluorescent lamp. The thin film photocatalyst is formed by sol-gel coating. But the temperature for baking the solution adhered to the outside wall of the glass tube is in a range of 450-600° C. when forming the thin film anatase-type titanium dioxide and is in a range of 560-770° C. when forming the alpha iron oxide α-Fe₂O₃. By baking the solution at so high temperature in the above-mentioned ranges, which made the coating too dense to work with high efficiency in photocatalysis for air cleaning.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,862 by Akira Kawakatsu and Kanagawa-ken discloses a photocatalytic membrane on a lamp with lighting fixture. The membrane is formed using TiO₂ anatase particle dispersed liquid coating with a ground layer. The ground layer made of a metallic oxide: such as silane coupling agent, SiO₂ sol, TiO₂ sol, or Al₂O₃ sol, also with mutli-layer structure provided lot of penetrating holes for increase the photocatalytic efficiency. However, the anatase TiO2 particles are obtained from a high temperature sinter process. Although the TiO2 Anatase particles are dispersed in an alcohol solvent, the hydroxyl groups on the particle surfaces are still at a low level, resulting in poor adhesion to the fluorescent lamp. For this reason, inorganic materials for enhancing adhesion such as silane coupling agent, SiO₂ sol, TiO₂ sol, or Al₂O₃ sol is needed. This inorganic materials distributed in lower the photocatalytic effect and lower the air cleaning efficiency, too.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, the primary object of the invention is to provide a method for preparing anatase TiO₂ nano-scale crystal particle solution. The particle size of the anatase TiO₂ is below about 20 nm. Since the anatase TiO₂ nano-crystalline particle is made in a water-based solution, bountiful hydroxyl groups are presented on the surface. When the anatase TiO₂ sol is baked at low temperatures in a range of about 100-250° C. for removing organic solvent and organic additives, thereby obtaining a good adhesion and nano-scale anatase TiO₂ porous coating. Because the anatase TiO₂ particle is below about 20 nm, the primary particle achieves at 1.0 nm scale. Due to the characteristic of such nano-scale material, the anatase TiO₂ coating presents photocatalystic effects even in the visible light range. Further, since no high-temperature annealing is needed, the nano-scale anatase TiO₂ coating is porous. Air and organic/inorganic pollutants more easily diffuse to the inside of the TiO₂ coating. On the other hand, the electron-hole pairs originally generated inside the TiO₂ Anatase crystal, more easily migrate to the outer side of the TiO₂ Anatase crystal, thereby improving the deodorization effect, bactericidal and fungicidal activity and contamination prevention effect.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp coating with the above-mentioned anatase TiO₂ nano-crystalline sol. Since the anatase TiO₂ crystal particle is in the nano scale, the photocatalytic reaction with quantum effect to lower the activation energy. The activation energy has an original maximum value of about 0.5 eV as band bending energy. As a result of the reduction of particle size, the activation energy is lower than about 0.3 eV, which means about a 0.2 eV energy shrinkage, at least. This enables the visible light photocatalyst to be formed, which works originally under a 385 nm UV light. It is evidenced that the anatase TiO₂ crystal particle formed according to the present invention can function at about 425 nm, or at an even wavelength such as about 512 nm, when the band bending energy approach zero.

[0013] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air. The method comprises preparing semiconductor nano crystalline anatase TiO₂ solution using titanium alkoxide Ti(OR)₄ as a main component in combination with chelating agents in aqueous solution, dip coating the semiconductor nano crystalline anatase TiO₂ solution on surface of a fluorescent lamp tube and baking the fluorescent lamp tube coated with the semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ solution to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air. The baking temperature is carried out at a low temperature in a range of about 100-250° C., because the anatase TiO₂ nano-crystalline already formed in solution. When the photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp is turned on, brightness of the fluorescent lamp increases because of the fluorescent property of the semiconductor nano crystalline anatase TiO₂. Due to the porous characteristic of the anatase TiO₂ solution coating and its visible light photocatalytic ability, a small amount of UV light (UVA) and visible light generating by the fluorescence in the lamp are absorbed by the nano anatase TiO₂ coating, thus generating active species such as electron-hole pairs that are capable of cleaning air.

[0014] The anatase TiO₂ solution, anatase TiO₂ sol or anatase TiO₂ film developed according to this invention features its ability to increase brightness of the fluorescent lamp when the anatase TiO2 sol is coated on an outside wall of the glass tube of the fluorescent lamp. It is surprisingly found that the brightness of the coated fluorescent lamp is improved by 1.0% when compared to a fluorescent lamp without an anatase TiO2 sol coating. When we used fluorescent spectrometer to measure the nano-TiO2 Anatase materials, which had absorption band around 395 nm as excitation, with fluorescent band around 480 nm as emission. It is evident that the TiO₂ sol developed according to this invention also acts as fluorescent agent. It is known that a fluorescent lamp typically has a phosphorous layer coated on the inner wall of the vacuum glass tube. High energy ultraviolet (UV) light are generated due to the collision between free accelerated electrons and gaseous mercury between two electrode at high voltage in high vacuum with small amount of inert gas. The high energy UV light irradiates the phosphorous layer coated on the inner wall of the vacuum glass tube and absorbed by the phosphorous and generated fluorescence of visible light and a small amount of near UV (UVA). It is known that only the small amount of UVA either generated, can penetrates through the calcium glass tube. The fluorescent light spectrum of a conventional fluorescent lamp is shown in FIG. 4. Another fluorescent lamp with RGB composite fluorescent has the visible RGB fluorescence with spectrum is shown in FIG. 5. It is shown that all with a small amount of UVA (λ=365 nm) photons is present in the fluorescence. According to the present invention, not only the small amount of UVA photons are absorbed by the anatase TiO₂ coating but also the violet even the blue light can be absorbed, and thus induces photocatalytic reactions (assisted by active electron-hole pairs) therefrom. The photocatalytic reactions catalyze organic or inorganic gaseous substance absorbed on the catalyst to be decomposed. If the organic or inorganic gaseous substance is insufficient to attend the photoreaction, excess excited electron-hole pairs will recombine to their ground state and release fluorescent light or thermal heat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more clearly and readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016]FIG. 1 shows Raman spectrum of anatase TiO2 powder;

[0017]FIG. 2 shows Raman spectrum of anatase TiO2 sol;

[0018]FIG. 3 shows DLS particle size analysis on anatase TiO2 sol;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a spectrum of a conventional fluorescent lamp;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a spectrum of a RGB composite fluorescent lamp;

[0021]FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a straight tube fluorescent lamp;

[0022]FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D are schematic diagrams showing single-end fluorescent lamps;

[0023]FIG. 7A is a cross section view showing the fluorescent lamp coated with anatase TiO₂;

[0024]FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing reactions at the surface of the fluorescent lamp coated with anatase TiO₂;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the coating frame for dip coating straight tube fluorescent lamps in array;

[0026]FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the coating frame for dip coating single-end fluorescent lamps in array; and

[0027]FIG. 9B is a cross section view showing the mechanism for fixing the single-end fluorescent lamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present invention uses sol-gel technique to prepare anatase TiO2 semiconductor nano-crystalline solution, hereinafter referred to as anatase TiO2 sol, which is used for the photocatalytic coating of substrate, such as glass, ceramic, active carbon, metals, plastics or synthesis fiber clothes. The coating is air dried at room temperature and then baked at temperatures about 100-250° C. For increase waste gas decomposed efficiency (or water treatment efficiency), precious metals or transition metal oxides are added to the prepared anatase TiO2 solution. Alternatively, the coating may be dipped in a solution containing precious metals or transition metals ions, followed by thermal drying and photo-reduction.

[0029] After the fluorescent lamp for lighting purposes is coated with TiO2 anatase sol or doped with rare earth metal (less than 10 wt %) TiO2 anatase sol to maintain the maximum photocatalysis for air cleaning ability but also could increase the brightness cause the fluorescent property of the photocatalyst materials. It is advanced to use the present invention because the anatase TiO₂ or Eu doped anatase TiO₂ particle in the nano-scale has photo-luminescence with 480 nm or 615 nm fluorescence property and quantum well effect, and thus cause have photocatalystic effect but also increase the brightness of the fluorescent lamp when it turn on.

[0030] 1. Preparation of Anatase TiO2 Solution.

[0031] The photocatalyst solution used in the above-said process for coating photocatalyst contains as the main component a titanium alkoxide such as Ti(OR)4, wherein R is a hydrocarbon group, C_(n)H_(2n+1), where n=1-5, and is, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl and the like. Since the anatase TiO₂ particle is stable in a pH<2.5 acid solution and a pH>7.0 alkaline solution, both acid-type anatase TiO₂ solution and alkaline-type anatase TiO₂ solution have been developed. To ensure that about 80% of TiO₂ particles are under a particles size of about 10 nm size, chelating agents are incorporated with the titanium alkoxide Ti(OR)₄ hydrolysis in water or water contained solvent as TiO₂ gel. Acids or Alkali are used for peptizing this TiO2 gel by adjust the pH value of the solution. Organic acids include CH₃COOH or RCOOH. Inorganic acids lnclude HNO₃ or HCl. Organic alkali include quadruped alkyl ammonium (R₄NOH) or alkyl amine NR₃. Strong chelating agents such as Acetonacetate [RC(O)CH₂C(O)R], amino acid [RCH(NH₂)COOH], succinic acid [HOOCCH(R)COOH], and organic alcohol [RC₆H₃(OCH₃)OH] are also used. The amount of strong chelating agent added should be within a molar ratio of 0.01-1.0 for chelating agent/Ti(OR)₄. The chelating agent is used before the hydrolysis of the Ti(OR)₄ and reacts with the Ti(OR)₄ to form Ti(OR)₄-SCA complex, SCA meaning Strong Chelating Agent. The complex is then added into water or water-containing solution for hydrolysis so as to form H_(x)TiO_([(3−x)/2+x])-SCA. Since the molar ratio of chelating agent/Ti(OR)₄ is less than about 1.0, after hydrolysis, the H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) mixes with the H_(x)TiO_([(3−x)/2+x])-SCA to form a gel. Alternatively, Ti(OR)₄ can be added into water to form a H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel and then a chelating agent is added to form the H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y])-SCA gel.

[0032] Both the above H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y])/H_(x)TiO_([(3−x)/2+x])-SCA gel or H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel are hereinafter referred to as TiO₂-SCA gel. To prepare the anatase TiO2 nano-crystalline, acids such as HNO₃, HCl, or HF, and alkali such as NH₃ or NH₄OH are used to adjust the pH value. Acids are used to adjust the solution to about pH<2.5, while the alkali are used to adjust the solution to about pH>7.0. After adjusting the pH value, most of the TiO₂ gel begins to be peptized, and undergoes rapid peptizing when heated. At this phase, crystalline particles form after the hydrothermal process. To obtain crystalline TiO₂ particles, the process temperature has to be kept above 100° C. as hydrothermal process. The resultant anatase TiO₂ particle size relates to the type of chelating agent, chelating agent concentration and dispersion technique which applied in peptizing or hydrothermal process. It is found that a high efficiency dispersing technique can lower the anatase TiO₂ particle size. The hydrothermal time and temperature both are factors for yield of the anatase TiO₂ particle. A higher temperature or a longer hydrothermal results in anatase TiO₂ particles having better crystal structure. Preferably, the temperature is below 250° C. However, it is noted that a higher temperature or longer time for hydrothermal also results in a larger crystal size exceeding 100 nm. The type of chelating agent and its concentration depend on process, properly pH value and temperature are selected, about 1 to 7-hour hydrothermal is preferably carried out to form anatase TiO2 sol.

[0033] Typically, the anatase TiO₂ sol is an aqueous solution. When applying above-said sol to coat a fluorescent lamp by using an outside coating method, the anatase TiO₂ sol of this invention either made from acid process or alkaline process has a particle size below about 20 nm and extensive surface with hydroxyl group(—OH), thereby promoting adhesion to the lamp surface. When dip coating, a uniform anatase TiO₂ gel film can be formed. In one embodiment, alcoholic solvent may be added into the anatase TiO₂ sol. In another embodiment, anatase TiO₂ sol made from alcoholic aqueous solution is used, in which alcohol concentration to water is lower than about 50% by weight, to improve the properties of the anatase TiO₂ sol coating and the adhesion ability thereof.

[0034] In one embodiment, the H₄TiO₄ solution added to the main component anatase TiO2 sol. The H₄TiO₄ solution can be made from titanium alkoxide such as Ti(OR)₄, where R is a hydrocarbon group, C_(n)H_(2n+1) and n=1-5, and is, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl and the like. The titanium alkoxide is slowly added into water with water/titanium alkoxide molar ratio of 100-1000. The solution is stirred to hydrolyze so as to form the above-said H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel solution. The above-said H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel solution is filtered and washed, and re-filtered to obtain H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel. The thus-formed H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel is then dispensed into water to form water/titanium dioxide with a mole ratio of about 100-1000. After that, the thus-formed H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel solution is cooled down using ice water to below about 4.0° C. Then, a 33% H₂O₂ solution is added to the cooled H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel solution. The H₂O₂/titanium oxide molar ratio is 4.0. The temperature of the H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel solution is kept below 6° C. waiting for the H_(y)TiO_([(4−y)/2+y]) gel to be completely dissolved into transparent yellow H₄TiO₄. In practice, the concentration of the H₄TiO₄ may be adjusted to 1.0% by weight and stored in a PP plastic tank at 4° C. to become H₄TiO₄ gel-solution.

[0035] When adding the H₄TiO₄ gel-solution into the anatase TiO₂ solution, the H₄TiO₄ to anatase TiO₂ ratio is 0-10% by weight. During the addition of the H₄TiO₄ gel-solution, the anatase TiO₂ solution is cooled in iced water at 4° C. The mixture is then stirred and coated on the glass tube of a fluorescent lamp and then baked at 100-250° C., it is found that the adhesion ability, thickness, and solidity of the coated film are improved, without affecting its porosity.

[0036] The thus-formed anatase TiO₂ solution is analyzed with Fourier-Transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy. The resultant Raman shift spectrum is illustrated in FIG. 2. The spectrum is measured by using 15 wt % anatase TiO₂ solution, which is irradiated by a 750 mW laser at a wavelength of 1060 nm. As shown in FIG. 2, split high-intensity peaks present at Raman shift 204 cm⁻¹, 398 cm⁻¹, 515 cm⁻¹, and 638 cm⁻¹, which are analogous to the solid anatase TiO₂ Raman shift spectrum as shown in FIG. 1. The particle size is analyzed by a Dynamic Laser Scattering method. As shown in FIG. 3, the result shows that about 80% of the anatase TiO₂ crystals have a particle size around 10 nm.

[0037] 2. Photocatalytic Coating

[0038] The developed anatase TiO₂ solution, either acidic or alkaline, has a dominant particle size below 20 nm. To increase wetness when coating glass and to get a uniform photocatalytic coating, either the anatase TiO₂ solution prepared by using alcohol-containing solution or anatase TiO₂ solution added to a proper alcoholic solution is used. By utilizing such characteristics, a high-quality optical level anatase TiO2 solution photocatalytic coating on a fluorescent lamp can be achieved. As mentioned, to improve adhesion ability, thickness, and solidity of the coated film, proper H₄TiO₄ gel-solution may be added.

[0039] The refraction index of the glass tube of the fluorescent lamp is about 1.52, and the refraction index of the anatase TiO₂ is about 2.2. It is found that the anatase TiO₂ coating has a refraction index of 1.6-1.75, which is close to the refraction index of the glass tube of the fluorescent lamp. It is believed that the anatase TiO₂ has a complete crystal structure in the TiO₂ solution, and the baking process does not decrease the porosity of the particles in the coating. The natural packing of such particles can have a porosity of 37.5% to 50%.

[0040] There are two methods for coating the anatase TiO₂ solution film onto the glass tube of the fluorescent lamp. The first method is coated the anatase TiO₂ on the glass before the fluorescent lamp fabricated. When the clean glass tube is cut and finished with a side melting process, the two ends of the clean glass tube are sealed or capped. The capped clean glass tube is then dipped into the anatase TiO₂ solution in a vertical manner relative to the solution surface, then pulled out from the anatase TiO₂ solution in constant velocity. After this, the caps at both ends of the tube are removed, followed by baking at 150-250° C. for 10-60 minutes. The baking of the coating may be carried out in a baking machine, to avoid severely grinding the coating, the two ends of the glass tube are in contact with the clipper or a high-temperature transfer wheel.

[0041] The second method is employed after the fluorescent lamp is completed. Additional capping nuts are used to mask the electrode bases at both ends of the glass tube of the fluorescent lamp. The masked glass tube is then dipped into the anatase TiO₂ solution in a vertical manner relative to the solution surface and pulled out from the anatase TiO₂ solution in constant velocity. The fluorescent lamp is next baked at 150-250° C. for 10-60 minutes. The baking may be carried out in a batch type or continues type oven.

[0042] When coating anatase TiO₂ solution onto the surface of the glass tube of the fluorescent lamp, the key to control the uniformity and thickness of the coating is avoiding vibration of the coating machine while pulling the glass tube from the anatase TiO₂ solution, and also the precise control of humidity and air cleanness. If the pullout speed is set at 30 cm/min, the concentration of the anatase TiO₂ solution is adjustable, such that the coating thickness can achieve the desired value. The control of the coating thickness is based on the coating thickness after finishing baking to finely tune the pullout speed. The thus-formed anatase TiO₂ solution coated fluorescent lamp is illustrated in FIG. 7A. The thus-formed anatase TiO₂ solution coated fluorescent lamp includes anatase TiO₂ sol coating (10), glass tube (20), and fluorescent coating (30).

[0043]FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram depicting how the anatase TiO₂ sol coated fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air. Most fluorescent lamps have a vacuum tube having fluorescent materials coated on its interior walls. When the lamp is turned on, the electron cloud is generated by the heated electrodes under very low pressure. At AC or DC voltage, the electrons and charged atoms leave the electrode and move through the tube toward the opposite electrode, some of them collide with the gaseous mercury atoms. These collisions excite the atoms, bumping electrons up to higher energy levels. When the electrons return to their original energy level, they release UV (and also visible) light photons. The UV light photons have energy distributed mainly at 365 nm (UVA), 315 nm (UVB), 254 nm (UVC), and 184 nm (UVD). The main energy bands of the visible light photons are 400-500 nm (blue light as VisB), 500-600 nm (green light as VisG), and 600-650 nm (red light as VisR). Hereinafter, the UV light intensities (UV light is generated by gaseous mercury atoms excited by free electrons) are presented with UVA, UVB, UVC, and UVD, and the visible light intensities are presented with VisB, VisG, and VisR. When the generated UV and visible light irradiate internal walls to be coated with fluorescent materials, the fluorescent materials absorb UVA, UVB, UVC, or UVD to produce different fluorescent light, which are mainly VisB, VisG, and VisR. The UV light not absorbed by the fluorescent materials transmitted through the glass tube and are mostly absorbed by the glass tube. At this phase, the UV intensities decrease to UVA′ and UVB′, wherein the UVB′ is almost zero. As for visible light intensities, the fluorescent visible light produced by the fluorescent materials mix with original visible light generated by the electron collided with the gaseous of mercury or inert gas, after transmitting through the glass tube is increased to intensities of VisB′, VisG′ and VisR′ for illumination. Due to the different spectrum and intensities of the VisB′, VisG′ and VisR′, the color temperature and brightness are thus different. But in real fluorescent Lamp, which have the visible light with the intensities of VisB′, VisG′ and VisR′ and a small amount of UVA′ of near UV light, some of them are absorbed by the anatase TiO₂ coating after transmitting through the glass tube. Depending on the structure and the photocatalytic ability of the TiO₂ coating, a small amount of UVA′ and near UV light are absorbed to generate photocatalytic effects and fluorescent effects. Accordingly, the anatase TiO₂ coated fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and generating visible light with visible fluorescence having intensities as VisB″, VisG″, and VisR″, and a remaining small amount of UVA″ as near UV light. The photocatalytic anatase TiO₂ after absorbing UV light generates electron-hole pairs, which carry out oxidation-reduction reactions for air cleaning. If the produced electron-hole pairs do not react with organic or inorganic substances in the air timely, the electrons and the holes recombine to generate fluorescent as blue light. Most important, used the pure TiO₂ Anatase solution can be doped with Zn.Eu or like rare earth metal compounds by added to the TiO2 Anatase solution for coating on the fluorescent lamp can generate not only blue light but also generate green or red fluorescent light.

[0044] 3. The Procedure and Apparatus for Fabricating the Anatase TiO₂ Coated Fluorescent Lamp for Air Cleaning.

[0045] The glass tube of the fluorescent lamp is made of sodium calcium glass. The fabrication of the glass tube is known in the art. After the gradients of the glass to be hot melting and tube shaping, the long and straight glass tube is cut into certain lengths. The cut glass tube is subjected to cleaning, drying, and then fluorescent film coating. Fluorescent slurry comprising inorganic fluorescent agents, inorganic binders, organic dispenser, and organic solvent is injected from the upper end of the glass tube and flows down along the interior wall of the glass tube to form a fluorescent film thereon. The glass tube coated with fluorescent film is then baked at 400-600° C. in a continuous tunnel oven to get rid of organic substances and moisture. After this, an opaque white color fluorescent film is adhered onto the interior wall of the glass tube.

[0046] The glass tube coated with fluorescent film is then connected with electrode bases at both ends by using conventional melting joint method. The electrode bases are made from tungsten wiring melted with glass having thereon a glass venting tube. Through the venting tube, the glass tube is evacuated to a very low pressure, followed by injection of an amount of mercury and inert gas such as argon or helium. Then, the both ends of the glass tube are sealed by melt the venting tube. There are many types of fluorescent lamp, for example, straight tube shaped, ball shaped, U shaped, spiral shaped, annular shaped, or the like. Preferably, the anatase TiO₂ solution is carried out by dip coating. For straight tube or annular lamp products or semi-products without electrode bases and pins yet, a protection sleeve or protection plastic film can be used to mask the electrode bases and pins before the coating. After finishing coating, the protection sleeve or protection plastic film is removed and baking is performed. Alternatively, after coating, the lamp is directly baked without removing the protection sleeve or protection plastic film. For single-end connector lamps, the lamp products are coated by a base fixing method, while the semi-product lamps are coated by a clipping fix method.

[0047] It is advantageous to use the present invention anatase TiO2 solution to coat the lamps by dip coating method thereof, because the resultant TiO₂ coating can achieve a high-quality optical level, which cannot be achieved by conventional spray coating, brush coating, roller coating, or shower coating. According to the dip coating method of this invention, the lamp is fixed on a coating frame, to ensure high quality of coat, the coating speed is kept to below 30 cm/min. By way of example, a 120 cm, 40 W fluorescent lamp needs at least 4 minutes for completion. The use of the coating frame enables 100 tubes to be coated at one time, that is, 3 seconds for each tube, thereby facilitating industrial mass production.

[0048] This invention also proposes anatase TiO2 solution coating methods for either straight tube two-end fluorescent lamps or single-end fluorescent lamps. As shown in FIG. 6A, the straight tube two-end fluorescent lamp (40) has lamp cap and lamp pin at its two ends. To prevent contact with the anatase TiO2 solution during the dip coating process, the lamp cap and lamp pin are protected by a protection sleeve or thermal plastic film. The protected straight tube two-end fluorescent lamp (40) is then fixed on the coating frame. The coating frame is schematically shown in FIG. 8. The coating frame, which is made of stainless steel, has a hook at its top surface, with an upper and lower flushing plates with apertures. The upper plate has a clipping mechanism at the center of four apertures for fixing lamp cap and lamp pin. The distance between the upper and the lower flushing plates is adjustable and is adjusted to a condition that the lamps can easily enter and get out from the side or the lower apertures plate with the fixing mechanism on the aperture. By doing this, the lamps can be placed in the frame in an array, as shown in FIG. 8. The coating frame (60) has capacity of 7×7=49 tubes each time or 10×10=100 tube array.

[0049] The sol-gel coating for straight tube fluorescent lamp is carried out by first washing the lamp product in a washer or cleaning machine to remove surface oil and inorganic alkali. Acid or alkaline cleaning solution is not suitable at his stage, because the two ends of the lamp contain metal. Preferably, the lamp is brush washed using non-ionic surfactant solution, then washed by de-ionized water, followed by baking. After washing, the two ends of the lamp are covered with protection sleeve or thermal plastic film. The covered tubes are arranged and positioned on the coating frame, which is thereafter connected to the coating machine through the hook. The coating machine transfers the coating frame to dip into the anatase TiO₂ solution, and then pulls out the coating frame steadily at a pull speed of about 30 cm/min, such that a uniform coating of anatase TiO₂ is formed. After draining the excess anatase TiO₂ solution from the bottom, the coated tubes are transferred to an oven to bake at 150-250° C. for 30-60 minutes. To improve the hardness and strength of the anatase TiO2 coating, the tube may be coated with SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ sol in advance by a dip coating method. After drying at room temperature, the tube is then subjected to an anatase TiO₂ coating and subsequent baking. It is understood that the thickness control of the coating by the gel-solution depends on gel-solution concentration and coating speed to achieve desired optical coating quality.

[0050]FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate various single-end fluorescent lamps, which are the current trend in fluorescent lamps. FIG. 6B shows a U-shaped lamp. The U-shaped lamp includes a single tube, dual tubes, and triple tubes. FIG. 6C shows a spiral lamp. FIG. 6D shows a special dual-layer lamp. The relative coating frames are shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. The coating frames shown in FIG. 9A has a frame height L′. The lamp base is fixed on a corresponding aperture of the coating frame (70). As shown in FIG. 9B, the working depth is L. The single-end lamp is screwed into the lamp connecter or clipped to the lamp base with lamp tube facing down, dipping into alcohol for minute to remove oil and residuals with air dried, then dipped into the anatase TiO2 solution, and then baked in the oven at 150-250° C. Since the length of the single-end lamp is relatively short, and the tube is bent with large angle, the pull speed is preferably 10-15 cm/min to ensure better quality.

[0051] 4. Preferred Embodiments of this Invention.

[0052] The fabrication of the anatase TiO₂ solution coated fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air involves the preparation of the anatase TiO₂ solution and the photocatalytic coating for fluorescent lamps. The currently adapted procedure for fabricating the photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp includes the lamp product going through anatase TiO₂ solution dipping and coating, followed by 150-250° C. baking. In one embodiment, the semi-product glass tube goes through anatase TiO₂ sol dip coating, followed by 150-250° C. baking. The decomposition efficiency of the coated lamp is measured as evidence of the ability of the anatase TiO₂ sol coated fluorescent lamp for air cleaning.

EXAMPLE 1

[0053] About 1 mole titanium alkoxide such as Ti(OR)₄, where R is a hydrocarbon group, C_(n)H₂₊₁ and n=1-5, and is, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl and the like, is incorporated with chelating agents. Strong chelating agents such as organic acid RCOOH, Organic acetate CH₃(O)CCH₂C(O)R, amino acid RCH(NH₂)COOH, succinic acid HOOCCH(R)COOH, and organic alcohol RC₆H₃(OCH₃)OH are used. The amount of strong chelating agent added should be controlled to a chelating agent/Ti(OR)₄ mole ratio of 0.01-2.0, and preferably 0.1-1.0. Preferably, the chelating agent is mixed with alcoholic solvent such as ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, butanol, iso-butanol, or methanol before mixing with the titanium alkoxide. The amount of alcoholic solvent blended should be controlled to an alcoholic solvent/chelating agent mole ratio of 1-100, preferably diluted to a mole ratio of 10. The mixture of alcoholic solvent and the chelating agent is slowly mixed with the titanium alkoxide. The chelating agent reacts with the Ti(OR)₄ to form Ti(OR)₃-SCA complex, where SCA means Strong Chelating Agent. The complex is then added into water or alcohol-containing aqueous solution to hydrolyze. The water/ titanium alkoxide mole ratio is 1-400, preferably 100. After hydrolysis, a white colored gel slurry is obtained, which is then subjected to inorganic acid titration. Suitable inorganic acid includes nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, or the like. After the titration, the pH value of solution is 1.0-2.0. Preferably, nitric acid is used for the titration. The gel solution is stirred and heated under normal atmospheric conditions. When the pH below 2.0 the gel begin to peptize and the solution becomes transparent. The hydrothermal temperature is further raised and pressure increases, but those were kept below 250° C. to prevent boiling. As mentioned, a higher hydrothermal temperature or a longer hydrothermal results in anatase TiO₂ particle having a better crystal structure. However, a higher hydrothermal temperature or longer hydrothermal also results in larger crystal size. To ensure that the anatase TiO₂ sol coating has good transmittance and planar topography, it is preferable that the anatase TiO₂ sol particle size is maintain between 10-100 nm. In practice, the actual anatase TiO2 sol particle size is 1-10 nm. In addition to hydrothermal conditions, temperature, time, stirring, and pH, the control factors for the particle size of the anatase TiO₂ sol further include the property and quantity of chelating agent as well as the property and quantity of titanium alkoxide. The resultant acidic anatase TiO₂ solution has a TiO₂ concentration of 0.2-10% by weight and is slightly yellow color transparent liquid.

[0054] In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, a 4 wt % anatase TiO₂ solution prepared by above-said process is used to coat various 40 W fluorescent lamps including FL-40-W, FL-40-D, FL-40-WEX, and FL-40-DEX. The FL-40-W (white light) and the FL-40-D (sun light) use single visible light fluorescent agent such as Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆FCl:(Sb,Mn) (Nichia NP10, NP20). The FL-40-WEX (strong white light) and FL-40-DEX (strong sun light) may use three wave mixed fluorescent agent including Sr₅(PO₄)₃Cl:Eu (Nishia Np-103) blue light fluorescent agent, LaPO4:(Ce, Tb) (Nishia NP-220) green light fluorescent agent, and Y₂O₃:Eu (Nishia NP-340) red light fluorescent agent, or mixed-type fluorescent agent such as NP-93 or NP-96 by Nishia. The above-said fluorescent lamps are coated with anatase TiO₂ solution and baked at 150° C. The decomposition efficiency of the above-said fluorescent lamps regarding organic substance butyl acetate is measured in a 5-liter close chamber system. 5.0 μl butyl acetate is injected into the 5-liter close chamber system and measured by using FTIR during the irradiation of 40 W fluorescent lamps. The results are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 UV 365 nm intensity Butyl acetate decomposition rate (mW/cm²) constant (min⁻¹) FL-40-WA 0.144 0.0324 FL-40-DA 0.119 0.0309 FL-40-WEXA 0.110 0.0434 FL-40-DEXA 0.071 0.0253

[0055] Comparison Table 2 shows the color temperatures and brightness (Lm) before and after photocatalytic coating of the lamps. TABLE 2 Color temperature (° K) Brightness (Lm) Before After Before After coating coating coating coating FL-40-WA 4212 4196 3037 3059 FL-40-DA 6099 6104 2792 2803 FL-40-WEXA 3929 3893 3500 3524 FL-40-DEXA 6860 6875 3309 3319

[0056] From the above, it is evident that the illumination ability of the lamps after coating with anatase TiO₂ does not degrade, while the ability in decomposing organic gas is improved. On average, the decomposition rate of butyl acetate in rate constant is 0.025-0.043 min⁻¹, that is, the lamps coated with anatase TiO₂ can decompose 2.5-4.3% of surrounding organic gas every single minute.

EXAMPLE 2

[0057] 1.0 mole titanium alkoxide is added into water for hydrolysis. The resultant solution has a H₂O/titanium alkoxide mole ratio of about 100. The titanium alkoxide is hydrolyzed to become white H_(x)TiO_([(4−x)/2+x]).nH₂O gel solution. After filtrating and then water-washing the hydrolysate solution, H_(x)TiO_([(4−x)/2+x]).nH₂O gel is obtained, which is then diluted with water that is 0.1-1.0 times the weight of the gel. The pH value of the diluted gel solution is thereafter adjusted by alkaline substance such as NH₄OH, N(R)₄OH, or N(R)₃. The pH value is adjusted to above 9.0-12.0. The alkaline substance/titanium alkoxide mole ratio is in a range of 0.05-0.5. After adjusting the pH value, the solution is stirred and heated in a hydrothermal reactor for 1-25 hours. The temperature of the hydrothermal is 100-250° C. After the hydrothermal, alkaline anatase TiO₂ solution gel, which is a yellow transparent liquid, is obtained. The resultant anatase TiO₂ sol contains 2-20 wt % TiO₂. The thus-formed anatase TiO₂ sol is analyzed by a FT-Raman spectrometer, and the result is shown in FIG. 2. The DLS particle size analysis is shown in FIG. 3. At least 80% of the particles suspended in the thus-formed anatase TiO₂ solution gel have particle size below 20 nm.

[0058] In this example, the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol is used to coat various lamps (those as example 1). The fluorescent lamps are coated with anatase TiO₂ sol and baked at 150° C. The decomposition efficiency of the above fluorescent lamps regarding organic substance butyl acetate is measured in a 5-liter close chamber system. 5.0 μl butyl acetate is injected into the 5-liter close chamber system and measured by using FTIR during the irradiation of 40 W fluorescent lamps. Brightness (Lm) before and after photocatalytic coating of the lamps is also taken. The results are shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Butyl acetate decomposition rate Brightness (Lm) constant (min⁻¹) Before coating After coating FL-40-WB 0.1036 3016 3042 FL-40-DB 0.1885 2741 2771 FL-40-WEXB 0.269 3476 3504 FL-40-DEXB 0.1646 3315 3326

[0059] It is evident that the illumination ability of the lamps after coating with 20 wt % anatase TiO₂ does not degrade. It is found that the decomposition rate of butyl acetate is basically proportional to the thickness of the anatase TiO₂ coating. Compared with example 1, the thickness of the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ coating is 5 times the thickness of the 4 wt % acidic anatase TiO₂ coating, and the decomposition rate of butyl acetate is also 5 times the decomposition rate of example 1.

[0060] According to example 1 and example 2 of fabrication of the anatase TiO₂ solution coated fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air, it is evident that either the fluorescent lamps or RGB fluorescent lamps, after coating with anatase TiO₂, go through change on photocatalytic function and increase in illumination ability. The comparison is shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 Butyl acetate Relative de- UV bright- composition- 365 nm Brightness (Lm) ness rate constant intensity After Before ratio (min⁻¹) (mW/cm²) coating coating (note 1) FL-40-W-0A 0.0309 0.144 3037 3059 1.0072 FL-40-W-0B 0.1036 0.144 3016 3042 1.0086 FL-40-D-0A 0.0324 0.119 2792 2803 1.0039 FL-40-D-0B 0.1885 0.119 2741 2771 1.0109 FL-40-WEX-0A 0.0434 0.110 3500 3524 1.0068 FL-40-WEX-0B 0.2690 0.110 3476 3504 1.0080 FL-40-DEX-0A 0.0253 0.071 3309 3319 1.0030 FL-40-DEX-0B 0.1646 0.071 3315 3326 1.0033

[0061] From Table 4, the RGB fluorescent lamp FL-40-WEX coated with 4 wt % acidic anatase TiO₂ sol presents superior photocatalytic ability amount the four fluorescent lamp, with butyl acetate decomposition rate of 0.0434 min⁻¹. When coated with 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol, the RGB fluorescent lamp FL-40-WEX also shows highest butyl acetate decomposition rate of 0.269 min⁻¹. The illumination ability of the lamps after coated with anatase TiO₂ does not degrade. It is surprisingly found that most lamps coated with anatase TiO₂ can increase illumination ability. Taking FL-40-D and FL-40-WEX as an example, their brightness increase 0.74%.

EXAMPLE 3

[0062] In this example, spiral fluorescent lamps are used. The spiral-type single end fluorescent lamps are coated with anatase TiO₂ by the above dip coating process to form a photocatalytic coating air cleaning fluorescent lamp. The air cleaning ability test is conducted in an 8-liter closed system. In the closed system, the spiral fluorescent lamp coated with anatase TiO₂ is installed therein and 2 μL butyl acetate is injected. The lamp is turned on and the gas concentration is measured by standard equipment. The result is shown in Table 5. TABLE 5 Butyl acetate UV TiO₂ Butyl acetate decomposition intensity anatase concentration rate constant (mW/ Lamp Type Sol Type (ppm) (min⁻¹) cm²) Spiral lamp as 53 0.027 0.189 Example 1 23 W, D-type as 53 0.0676 0.254 Example 2 Spiral lamp as 53 0.004 0.217 Example 1 21 W, D-type as 53 0.0718 0.215 Example 2 Spiral lamp as 53 0.021 0.476 Example 1 21 W, L-type as 53 0.1474 0.583 Example 2

[0063] In this experiment, different spiral type lamps are dip coated in anatase TiO₂ solution. The air cleaning ability is proportional to the UV intensities of the lamps, and is also proportional to the anatase TiO₂ coating thickness. From Table 5, it is seen that the Spiral lamp (21 W, L-type) coated with 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol as in example 2 presents a butyl acetate decomposition rate of 0.1474 min⁻¹, and is thus the most effective one.

EXAMPLE 4

[0064] In this example, a spiral type fluorescent lamp is used. The spiral-type single end fluorescent lamp is coated with anatase TiO₂ by the above dip coating process to form a photocatalytic coating air cleaning fluorescent lamp. To improve the thickness, adhesion ability, and hardness of the photocatalytic coating, H₄TiO₄ sol is added into the anatase TiO₂ solution, with a maximum (H₄TiO₄ gel/anatase TiO₂ solution) ratio of 10% in weight. The air cleaning ability test is carried in an 8-liter closed system. In this closed system, the spiral fluorescent lamp coated anatase TiO₂ with a little of H₄TiO₄ sol, is installed therein and 2.0 μl butyl acetate is injected. The lamp is turned on and the gas concentration is measured by standard equipment. The results are shown in Table 6. TABLE 6 Butyl acetate TiO2 H₄TiO₄/ Butyl acetate decomposition anatase anatase TiO₂ concentration rate constant Lamp Type Sol Type wt % (ppm) (min⁻¹) Spiral lamp as 1 53 0.0201 21 W, Example 1 L-type as 1 53 0.1286 Example 2 as 5 53 0.0204 Example 1 as 5 53 0.0971 Example 2 as 10 53 0.0193 Example 1 as 10 53 0.0462 Example 2

[0065] It is evident from example 3 and example 4 that the H₄TiO₄/anatase TiO₂ solution can improve the thickness, adhesion ability, and hardness of the photocatalytic coating. From Table 6, it is found that adding H₄TiO₄ sol into the 4 wt % acidic anatase TiO₂ solution in a H₄TiO₄/anatase TiO₂ ratio of 1-10 wt %, and then using this mixture to coat the spiral lamp (21 W, L-type) does not degrade the air cleaning ability of the lamp. However, the air cleaning ability of the spiral lamp (21 W, L-type) are affected when H₄TiO₄ gel is added into the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ solution in a H₄TiO₄/anatase TiO₂ ratio of 1-10 wt %, and this mixture is then used to coat the spiral lamp. It is also found that a higher the H₄TiO₄/anatase TiO₂ ratio results in a lower butyl acetate decomposition rate. It may be concluded that the H₄TiO₄/anatase TiO₂ mixture solution at a H₄TiO₄/anatase TiO₂ ratio below 10 wt % about 1.0 wt % is suitable for acidic anatase TiO2 sol for fabricating the air cleaning fluorescent lamp of this invention.

EXAMPLE 5

[0066] In this example, a spiral-type fluorescent lamp (FSL-23 W EXL-type) is used. The spiral-type single end fluorescent lamp is coated with anatase TiO₂ one to four times by using the above-mentioned dip coating process to form a photocatalytic coating air cleaning fluorescent lamp. Likewise, the air cleaning ability test is carried out in an 8-liter closed system. In the closed system, the spiral-type single end fluorescent lamp coated with anatase TiO₂ is installed therein and 2 μL butyl acetate is injected. The lamp is turned on and the gas concentration is measured by standard equipment. The result is shown in Table 7. TABLE 7 Butyl acetate TiO₂ Butyl acetate decomposition Lamp Anatase Numbers of dip concentration rate constant Type Sol Type coating (ppm) (min⁻¹) Spiral as 1 53 0.0127 lamp Example 1 FSL-23 W as 2 53 0.0704 EXL-type Example 1 as 3 53 0.1075 Example 1 as 4 53 0.1495 Example 1 as 1 53 0.0676 Example 2 as 2 53 0.1988 Example 2 as 3 53 0.3049 Example 2 as 4 53 0.3089 Example 2

[0067] According to example 5, it is evident that when using the spiral-type single end fluorescent lamp coated with anatase TiO₂ (as used in example 1) one to four times by using the above-mentioned dip coating process to form a photocatalytic coating air cleaning fluorescent lamp, the air cleaning ability of the photocatalytic coating is proportional to the thickness of the coating thereof. The anatase TiO₂ solution adopted in example 1 is 4 wt % acidic anatase TiO₂ sol. The thickness of the coating is proportional to the number of duplicate dipping-coating, and is also proportional to butyl acetate decomposition rate. In Table 7, it is seen that the butyl acetate decomposition rate increases from 0.0127 cm⁻¹ to 0.1495 cm⁻¹. This indicates that the acidic anatase TiO2 coating is still not at its optimal coating thickness. That is, the butyl acetate decomposition rate of the acidic anatase TiO₂ coating may further increase if the thickness of the coating increases.

[0068] The anatase TiO₂ solution adopted in example 2 is 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol. The thickness of the coating is also proportional to the number of duplicate dip coating for 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol. For a lamp with three duplicate dip coatings in the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol, the butyl acetate decomposition rate increases from 0.0676 cm⁻¹ to 0.3049 cm⁻¹. But for a lamp with four duplicate dip coatings in the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol, the butyl acetate decomposition rate slows up to 0.3089 cm⁻¹. This suggests that the coating film from three 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol duplicate dip coatings is at its optimal thickness, and there is a balance between the diffusion rate of the air and organic substances between the air and the coating film to got the maximum rate about the photocatalytic reaction. After three duplicate dip coatings in the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol, the thickness of the anatase TiO₂ coating is about 10 microns, which is deemed the optimal thickness of the anatase TiO₂ sol coating developed according to the present invention.

[0069] To sum up, the present invention provides methods for preparing nano-scale semiconductor crystalline anatase TiO₂ particle solution, which is used to coating various fluorescent lamps by the above-mentioned dip coating method. The coated fluorescent lamps are baked to form photocatalytic fluorescent lamps capable of cleaning air. The photocatalytic fluorescent lamps have improved brightness and illumination ability. Due to the porous characteristic of the anatase TiO₂ coating and its visible light photocatalytic ability, a small amount of UV light (UVA) and visible light are absorbed by the anatase TiO₂ coating and thus active species such as electron-hole pairs that are capable of purifying air are generated. The alkaline anatase TiO₂ nano-crystalline solution can reach a concentration of 20 wt %. For the lamp having three duplicate dip coatings in the 20 wt % alkaline anatase TiO₂ sol, the butyl acetate decomposition rate increases from 0.0676 cm⁻¹ to 0.3049 cm⁻¹, which is about 10-100 times the magnitude of the most efficient prior art TiO₂ coating.

[0070] The anatase TiO₂ nano-crystalline or doped with Eu or rare earth metal oxide on anatase TiO₂ nano-crystalline solution functions like fluorescent agents. The coating is carried out on outer walls of the lamps and only low temperature baking is needed. It is surprisingly found that the coating according to the present invention can increase the brightness of the lamps, which is not disclosed in any prior art.

[0071] Various types of fluorescent lamps may incorporate the present invention recipe and process thereof. The anatase TiO₂ sol dip coating process proposed by the present invention may be used either before the lamps fabricated or after the completion of the lamps. Furthermore, it is understood the concentration of chemicals and types of additives in this application are for illustration. Changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness, comprising: preparing semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol using titanium alkoxide Ti(OR)₄ as a main component in combination with chelating agents in aqueous solution; dip coating said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol on a surface of a fluorescent lamp tube; and baking said fluorescent lamp tube coated with said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air; wherein said baking step is carried out at a low temperature in a range of about 100-250° C.; and wherein when said photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp is turned on, brightness of said photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp increases because of a fluorescent property of said semiconductor anatase TiO₂ sol coating, and due to the anatase TiO₂ coating have had visible light photocatalytic ability thereof, a small amount of UV light (UVA) and blue light from the fluorescent lamp is absorbed by said anatase TiO₂ coating, thus generating active species such as electron-hole pairs are capable of cleaning the air.
 2. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of preparing semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol using said chelating agents in aqueous solution comprises the following steps: using acid process to prepare anatase TiO₂ sol; and adding H₄TiO₄ solution to a H₄TiO₄/TiO₂ ratio of about 0-10 wt %, thereby improving thickness, adhesion, and hardness of said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol coating.
 3. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness as claimed in claim 1; wherein the step of preparing semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol using said chelating agents in aqueous solution comprises the following steps: using alkaline process to prepare anatase TiO₂ sol; and adding H₄TiO₄ solution to a H₄TiO₄/TiO₂ ratio of about 0-10 wt %, thereby improving thickness, adhesion, and hardness of said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol coating.
 4. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness as claimed in claim 1; wherein the step of preparing semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol using said chelating agents in aqueous solution comprises the following steps: using the process to prepare anatase TiO₂ sol; and adding water solution of precious metal salts or transition metal salt to the anatase TiO₂ sol for the M^(+n)/anatase TiO₂ ratio of about 0-1.0 wt %, thereby improving visible light photocatalytic ability for air cleaning.
 5. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness as claimed in claim 1; wherein the step of preparing semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol using said chelating agents in aqueous solution comprises the following steps: mixing Eu or rare earth metal salt alcoholic solution with Ti(OR)₄ for the Eu⁺³ or rare earth metal.ions./TiO₂ ratio of about 0-1.0 wt %, and using the process to prepare Eu or rare earth metal doped anatase TiO₂ sol, thereby improving brightness of the fluorescent lamp coated with the anatase TiO₂ sol.
 6. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness as claimed in claim 1; wherein the step of dip coating said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol on the surface of said fluorescent lamp tube further comprises the steps of: dipping a coating frame arranged with an array of fluorescent lamp tubes into said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol by using a coating machine; dip coating said lamp tubes and readily pulling out said coating frame and said lamp tubes at a fixed pull-out speed of about 10-30 cm/min, wherein said pull-out speed depends on a desired thickness of coating and concentration of said anatase TiO₂ sol; and wherein the step of baking said fluorescent lamp tube coated with said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness, further comprises the following steps of: placing said coated fluorescent lamp tubes and said coating frame into an oven; and baking said fluorescent lamp tubes to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp; wherein said baking process is carried out at a temperature of 150-250° C. for 10-30 minutes, and accurate conditions depend on types of said anatase TiO₂ sol, heat resistance of said fluorescent lamp tubes, hardness of said anatase TiO2 coating, and manufacture throughput.
 7. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness as claimed in claim 1; wherein the step of dip coating said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol on surface of said fluorescent lamp tube further comprises the steps of: dipping a coating frame arranged with an array of fluorescent lamp tubes into SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ solution by using a coating machine; dip coating said fluorescent lamp tubes and readily pulling out said coating frame and said lamp tubes at a fixed pull-out speed of about 10-30 cm/min, wherein said pull-out speed depends on desired thickness of coating and concentration of said SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ solution; baking said fluorescent lamp tubes dipped with SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ solution at a temperature of about 50-100° C. for about 10-30 minutes, wherein the advanced SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ solution dipping improves optical properties, adhesion, and hardness of said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol coating; dip coating said lamp tubes in said anatase TiO₂ sol; readily pulling out said coating frame and said lamp tubes at a fixed pull-out speed of about 10-30 cm/min, wherein said pull-out speed depends on desired thickness of coating and concentration of said anatase TiO₂ sol; and wherein the step of baking said fluorescent lamp tube coated with said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increasing brightness further comprises the following steps of: placing said coated fluorescent lamp tubes and said coating frame into an oven; and baking said fluorescent lamp tubes to form a photocatalytic coating fluorescent lamp; wherein said baking process is carried out at a temperature of about 150-250° C. for about 10-30 minutes, and accurate condition depends on types of said anatase TiO₂ sol, heat resistance of said fluorescent lamp tubes, hardness of said anatase TiO₂ coating, and designed manufacture throughput.
 8. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluorescent lamp comprises normal fluorescent lamps, RGB three wave fluorescent lamps, and high frequency fluorescent lamps.
 9. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluorescent lamp comprises a straight tube, an annular tube, a U-shaped tube, a spiral tube, and a special dual-layer tube, and wherein when implementing said dip coating step method for fixing said lamp includes a dual head fixing method and a single end fixing method.
 10. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 1, wherein before dip coating said semiconductor nano-crystalline anatase TiO₂ sol on the surface of a fluorescent lamp tube, the method further comprises the following steps of: arranging said fluorescent lamp tube on a coating frame; washing said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame; and drying said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame.
 11. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 10, wherein said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamp uses said dual head fixing method, the method further comprising the following steps before arranging said fluorescent lamp tubes on said coating frame: masking a metal portion at both ends of each said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps using protection sleeves or thermal plastic sleeves; and arranging said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps through holes on said coating frame and fixing said both ends of each said dual head fluorescent lamps by means of a clipping mechanism disposed at an upper plate and lower plate of said coating frame, so that about 1-100 fluorescent lamps can be arranged on said coating frame.
 12. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air as claimed in claim 11, wherein said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a dual head fixing method, and wherein a method of washing said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame comprises dipping said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame into solution containing surfactants for removing oil, followed by rinsing in de-ionized water to removing said surfactants.
 13. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 12, wherein said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a dual head fixing method, and wherein method for drying said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame comprises placing said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame into a drying apparatus, and drying said fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame with heated air.
 14. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 13, wherein said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a dual head fixing method, and said dried fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame are subjected to said dip coating step as defined in claim
 1. 15. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 14, wherein said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a dual head fixing method, and said dried fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame are subjected to said anatase TiO₂ sol dip coating step as defined in claim
 6. 16. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 15, wherein said straight tube dual head fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a dual head fixing method, and said dried fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame are subjected to said dip coating step as defined in claim 7, after SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ solution dip coating is performed, followed by anatase TiO₂ sol dip coating.
 17. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 8, wherein said single-end fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a single-end fixing method, and a method for arranging said fluorescent lamp tubes on said coating frame comprises: selecting same type single-end fluorescent lamps or special fluorescent lamps; and connecting and fixing said the single-end fluorescent lamps to clipping mechanism on said coating frame; wherein about 1-100 pieces said the single-end fluorescent lamps can be arranged on said coating frame depending on size of said coating frame and pitch thereof.
 18. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 17, wherein said single-end fluorescent lamps are fixed by using single-end fixing method, and washing said single-end fluorescent lamps and said coating frame comprises the steps of: placing said single-end fluorescent lamps and said coating frame in a washing machine; washing away oil with surfactant solution; and thereafter washing away surfactant with de-ionized water.
 19. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 1, wherein said single-end fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a single-end fixing method, and drying said single-end fluorescent lamps and said coating frame comprises the steps of: placing said a cleaned single-end fluorescent lamps and said coating frame in a drying machine; drying said cleaned single-end fluorescent lamps and said coating frame with heated air.
 20. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 19, wherein said single-end fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a single-end fixing method, and said dried single-end fluorescent lamp tube and said coating frame are subjected to dip coating step as defined in claim
 1. 21. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 20, wherein said single-end fluorescent lamps are fixed by using a single-end fixing method, and said dried single-end fluorescent lamp tubes and said coating frame are subjected to said dip coating step as defined in claim
 6. 22. The method for fabricating a photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 21, wherein said single-end fluorescent lamps are fixed by using single-end fixing method, said dried single-end fluorescent lamp tubes and said coating frame are subjected to said dip coating step as defined in claim 7, after SiO₂ sol or H₄TiO₄ solution dip coating is performed, followed by anatase TiO₂ solution dip coating.
 23. A photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness is fabricated by the process as described in claim 1, comprising: a lamp tube comprising an anatase TiO₂ coating film made of anatase TiO₂ semiconductor nano-crystalline particle packing; wherein when said photocatalytic fluorescent lamp is turned on, brightness of said photocatalytic fluorescent lamp increases because of a fluorescent property of said anatase TiO₂ coating film, and due to a porous characteristic of said anatase TiO₂ coating film and a visible light photocatalytic ability thereof, a small amount of UV light (UVA) and blue light transmitted from said photocatalytic fluorescent lamp is absorbed by said anatase TiO₂ coating film and active species such as electron-hole pairs that are capable of purifying air are generated.
 24. The photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 23, wherein said anatase TiO₂ coating film is made from anatase TiO₂ sol comprising coagulated said anatase TiO₂ semiconductor nano-crystalline particles with at least about 80% of which are at a particle size below about 20 nm.
 25. The photocatalytic fluorescent lamp capable of cleaning air and increase brightness as claimed in claim 23, wherein said photocatalytic fluorescent lamp further comprises a base layer coated underneath said anatase TiO₂ coating film, said base layer being made by sol-gel method, and wherein said base layer is made from SiO₂ sol or H4TiO4 solution, thereby preventing alkaline ions on a lamp glass tube surface from thermal diffusing out to said anatase TiO₂ coating film to decrease the photocatalytic efficiency, thereby improving optical properties, adhesion, and hardness of said anatase TiO₂ coating film. 